Driving Tests

Arkansas Permit Test (Knowledge Exam): What's on It and How to Pass

informational·how to guide·Published October 19, 2026

What do you need to pass the Arkansas permit test?

The Arkansas permit test is a multiple-choice knowledge exam on a computer kiosk, given by the Arkansas State Police (ASP). The October 2026 ASP study guide says that you must pass the knowledge exam and a vision test to get an instruction permit, and that the permit is good for two years from the date you pass the exam. You must be at least 14, pass the vision test (20/40 without glasses for an unrestricted license) and pay $5 for each written exam.

Where the Arkansas permit test facts come from

The exam rules, topics, fee, vision standard and permit rules come from the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (October 2026) of the Arkansas State Police (ASP). The oral exam details come from the ASP audio testing instructions (2017). The documents come from the ASP 1-2-3 checklists for applicants under 18 and for applicants 18 and older, and the skills test rules come from the ASP skills checklist (October 2026). The other sources are a DFA news release (2025) on Revenue Office visits, Act 550 of 2023 (no 30-day wait) and Act 117 of 2025 (work zone questions). This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Arkansas DFA Office of Driver Services (dfa.arkansas.gov) and the Arkansas State Police before you drive.

How does the Arkansas knowledge exam work?

You take the knowledge exam on a computer kiosk. The 2017 ASP audio test instructions show multiple-choice answers A, B and C. For the full length of the exam, ask ASP Driver's Testing when you book.
You must also pass a vision test: every applicant passes one before Arkansas issues an instruction permit. Each written exam costs $5. You do not pay it at the exam: DFA adds your exam fees to the cost of your license and collects them when you get the license.

Topics to study for the Arkansas permit test

Traffic signals, signs and pavement markings, including lighted signals, flashing lights and lighted arrows.
Right of way: at an intersection with no stop sign or signal, yield to vehicles from the right. At an all-way stop, the driver who arrives first goes first, after a complete stop. Check yourself with our free question on who goes first at an all-way stop.
Roundabouts: drivers who enter a traffic circle yield to drivers already in it.
School buses: stop completely for a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, and stay stopped until the lights go off.
Work zones: a 2025 law (Act 117) requires questions on safe driving in a highway work zone. When workers are present, a moving violation in a work zone costs double the fine. Try our free question on speed in a work zone.
Phones: no texting at any age. Under 18, no cell phone use, hands-free included. From 18 to 20, hands-free only.

Arkansas permit test at a glance

Arkansas permit test at a glance
Item	What Arkansas requires
Minimum age	14 years old
Who gives the exam	Arkansas State Police, by online appointment
Test format	Multiple choice on a computer kiosk
Fee	$5 for each written exam, added to the cost of your license
Vision	20/40 without glasses (unrestricted license), or 20/70 with glasses or contacts (restricted license)
What you get	Instruction Permit, valid 2 years, cannot be renewed
Who may ride with you	A licensed driver 21 or older in the seat beside you

Which Arkansas permit test appointment should you book?

You take the standard knowledge exam

Book a Driver's License/Motorcycle Instruction Permit Test appointment on the ASP scheduling site.

You are not a U.S. citizen and have immigration documents

Book the same appointment type. It gives you more time with the examiner. Not all locations offer this.

You have a professionally diagnosed learning difference

Book a Driver's License Test for Learning Differences appointment for an oral exam, and show your IEP, 504 plan or other professional evaluation to the examiner. The kiosk reads the questions and answers through headphones, and the examiner explains any word or sentence you do not understand. Not all locations offer this.

How to take the Arkansas permit test, step by step

1
Study the guide
Read the ASP study guide. It prepares you for the knowledge exam and the skills test, and it has a Work Zone Questions and Answers section.
2
Book your appointment
Book online on the ASP scheduling site and choose the appointment type that fits you.
3
Bring your documents and your glasses
Under 18: an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate (no hospital birth certificate) and the signature of a parent or legal guardian. A minor who is a U.S. citizen cannot use a U.S. passport as a primary document. 18 and older: two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document. Bring your glasses or contacts.
4
Pass the knowledge exam and the vision test
A vision test and an ASP-90 vision referral form are valid for one year. The ASP-90 must come from an Arkansas optometrist, not an out-of-state or online one.
5
Get your Instruction Permit and start to practice
You may drive with a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the seat beside you. Our guide to the Arkansas Instruction Permit has the permit rules.

What happens after you pass the Arkansas permit test?

Your permit lasts 2 years from the day you pass the knowledge exam, and you cannot renew it. In that time, pass the skills test and buy your license, or you retake all phases of the exam. You must hold the permit before you schedule the skills test. Since April 2023, Arkansas law has no 30-day wait.
You take the skills test in your own vehicle, with a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the front passenger seat. Then you get your license at any Arkansas Revenue Office; an appointment is not required. Our guide to the Arkansas driving test covers the road test.

Key takeaways

The Arkansas permit test is a multiple-choice knowledge exam on a computer kiosk, plus a vision test. You must be at least 14.
Each written exam costs $5. DFA adds the exam fees to the cost of your license.
Study signs and signals, right of way, school buses, work zones and phone rules in the ASP study guide.
With a diagnosed learning difference, book the oral exam and bring your IEP, 504 plan or evaluation.
Next step: practice on the free Arkansas Class D practice test.

Arkansas permit test: common questions

What happens if I fail the Arkansas permit test?

You can take the knowledge exam again. Book a new Driver's License/Motorcycle Instruction Permit Test appointment on the ASP scheduling site. Each written exam costs $5, and there is no limit on the number of exam fees charged: DFA adds all of them to the cost of your license when you get it.

Can I wear glasses for the Arkansas permit test vision check?

Yes. Bring your glasses or contacts. Without them, you need at least 20/40 vision for an unrestricted license. With them, you need at least 20/70 for a restricted license, and you must wear them when you drive. An ASP-90 vision referral form is valid only from an Arkansas optometrist.

Can I skip a question on the Arkansas permit test?

Ask the examiner before you start the knowledge exam. Skip rules can change, so the instructions that the examiner gives you on test day are the ones that count. Study all parts of the October 2026 ASP study guide, so that you can answer each question.

Is there an official Arkansas permit practice test?

The Arkansas State Police offer a testing app, AR Driver Testing, in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. ASP is not associated with third-party practice test websites. Our free Arkansas practice questions are in English only, and they are practice questions, not the official exam.